Two neighbouring states had contrasting outcomes for their chief ministers’ foreign travel plans recently. Haryana’s CM Nayab Singh Saini completed his visits to Singapore and Sweden without issue, while Punjab’s CM Bhagwant Mann was denied clearance for a planned trip to Paris, prompting legal action.
Saini’s International Visits
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini travelled to Singapore from October 4 to 6 before heading to Sweden on October 14 for a visit ending October 17. His itinerary focused on areas such as defence manufacturing, automobiles, renewable energy, real estate, and home furnishings.
At the India-Sweden Innovation Day, where he was the chief guest, Saini highlighted that bilateral trade increased from USD 2.86 billion in 2016 to USD 7.75 billion in 2025. He also cited Swedish investments in Haryana, including IKEA’s Rs 3,500-crore Gurugram project, a Carl-Gustaf facility in MET City, Jhajjar, and a Kunskapsskolan school since 2013. Saini extended invitations to the Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit 2027.
The Punjab Delegation’s Planned Trip
Punajb Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann intended to lead a delegation to Paris from October 15 to 21 for SIAL Paris 2026, a biennial food trade show running October 17 to 21. Alongside Mann, Chief Secretary K. A. P. Sinha and Principal Secretary Ravi Bhagat were to attend.
Punjab’s MARKFED had secured an 18-square-metre stall at the India Pavilion under APEDA, a Union Commerce Ministry body. Punjab stated MARKFED funded the entire trip. The itinerary included leaving Delhi on October 15, meeting the Punjabi diaspora on October 16, attending the fair from October 17 onward, trade discussions on October 18 and 20, and meeting the Indian Ambassador on October 20.
Centre Denies Clearance
The Punjab team submitted a clearance application via the MEA’s e-Pol portal on September 9, with earlier letters sent on September 3 and 8. The portal showed the status as “Denied” with the remark: “Clearance from political angle is declined.” Punjab’s petition claims the MEA never asked for clarifications or replied to their letters.
Punjab requested the court to annul the denial and grant clearance or order reconsideration within 24 hours with reasons after hearing Punjab. It also sought interim clearance during proceedings. The Punjab and Haryana High Court pursued the matter, with Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya hearing it and seeking a Union Government response.
Punjab’s Arguments Against the Denial
- No Reason Given: The state cited Supreme Court rulings that decisions affecting parties must provide reasons.
- No Legal Basis: Political clearance guidelines lack set criteria, deadlines, or appeal options.
- State’s Jurisdiction: Promoting farm produce and cooperatives fall under state powers, not foreign affairs.
- Federalism Concerns: Punjab referenced constitutional principles to highlight overreach.
- Arbitrariness: The application was timely, and security arrangements had been consulted.
- Past Refusals: Previous clearance denials to Mann and other leaders seemed inconsistent. Punjab claimed the current refusal was unjust.
Centre’s Defense
The MEA, through an affidavit, stated political clearance is its exclusive domain, governed by Cabinet Secretariat rules. The MEA portal does not disclose detailed reasons, sometimes withholding them due to sensitive bilateral considerations.
It emphasized no formal invitation from France was presented, a prerequisite for ministerial visits. The MEA also cited security concerns, noting Mann’s significant threats from hostile groups and that security at the food fair was inadequate and uncontrolled by the Indian Embassy.
The Centre said Mann would have no substantive role at SIAL Paris, pointing out other Punjab delegations were approved and represented official interests at the event.
To counter accusations of discrimination, the Centre listed prior clearances for Mann’s visits to several countries and maintained its authority to refuse clearance to safeguard national interests and the dignity of official visits.
Next Steps
The court continues to hear the case, balancing Punjab’s requests for clearance with the Centre’s security and diplomatic concerns. The SIAL Paris fair opened shortly after these proceedings.
